Chat with Ted Miller

Welcome to SportsNation! On Thursday, ESPN.com's Pac-12 blogger Ted Miller will stop by to talk some college football.

Miller has been covering college football since 1997, starting with Auburn and then heading West to Washington and the (then) Pac-10. His columns for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer won first place in 2007 APSE Best Writing contest. The Atlanta native and University of Richmond graduate presently lives with his wife in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Ted Miller

(3:00 PM)

Howdy folks... When there's expansion talk in the Miller compound, it usually focuses on my waist. What's up?

Geertsy (Iowa)

Ted, how long is Wash St's QB Jeff Tuel going to be out?Can they beat a lowly UNLV team at home without him?

Ted Miller

(3:00 PM)

6-8 weeks.... Yes.

David (Sacramento)

Thank you Ted for not picking cal to win because they'll lose if thats the case. will you pick them to lose every game? even presbyterian. it increases the likelihood of W by at least 75%

Ted Miller

(3:00 PM)

Picked Cal to beat Fresno State... NAILED IT!

Jeremy (Honolulu)

How can Oregon get over "the hump" and start winning big games vs. non-conference foes? After watching this team the past couple years it's hard to ignore some of the slow starts and self-inflicted wounds in these ciritical matchups. The talent seems to be there but the mental mistakes are a killer.

Ted Miller

(3:03 PM)

Unlike many of the pundits, I think LSU-Oregon would have been a nailbiter if not for Ducks miscues. But that's football. The talent gap isn't as wide as some claim it is, even at the line of scrimmage. Still, the Ducks will take another step forward when they start to produce NFL D- and O-linemen on a regular basis.

Lane Kiffin (Heritage Hall, USC )

Why did the USC faithful boo my two point conversion attempts against Minnesota? Does this mean that I am on much thinner ice with the USC community than I assumed?

Nick (Sacramento)

If Cal shows up and again wins over Colorado, would this game be a good measuring stick to find out just how good the Golden Bears are this year? What do you think Cal's chances are of taking the North?

Ted Miller

(3:05 PM)

The thing with Cal is it needs to show up completely focused every week. So, no, it's not about starting 2-0. If Cal plays to its potential, it will be Colorado. The frustrating thing with the Bears in recent years is they hint at great things then have inexplicable lost weekends.

Spencer S. (Seattle)

Who finishes with more rushing yards this year, Chris Polk or LaMichael James?

Ted Miller

(3:06 PM)

Polk

Chris (Phoenix)

Everyone is saying that Oregon doesn't do well when teams have time to prepare for them. I look at it different, I think Chip Kelly doesn't do well when he has too much time to prepare; it's almost like he out thinks himself rather than just doing what has worked.

Ted Miller

(3:08 PM)

That is a possibility. But I think most of us, and I include myself, have a high level of respect for Chip's coaching, particuarlly in terms of Xs and Os. Keep in mind in these games: The Ducks have played really good teams. What the extra time gives a D-coordinator is more reps teaching his front-7 to recognize misdirection and read zone blocks. That's invaluable. It prevents a less talented O-line from outflanking a more talented D-line as the Ducks have done to other teams, like say USC.

Spencer (Nevada)

If the conferences shake out in the long run as "superconferences" with 16 teams or more, do you think it will cause some teams that currently do about average, to end up on the bottom of the pile without much chance at moving up. Oregon St vs Texas or Ok every year.. Also how do conferences that size translate into conference play schedules? Round robin schedules might cause some disparity in the toughness of conference play

Ted Miller

(3:11 PM)

There will be plenty of consequences of a Pac-16, some we will see coming. Others we won't. I don't think a Pac-16 relegates the "smaller" programs to second-class status. Remember: there's equal revenue sharing. Further, two 8-team divisions really would amount to a blending of the Pac-10 and the Big 12 -- to conferences in one. So if WS or OS could win a Pac-10 title, why couldn't it win a Pac-16 division? Good coaching, good recruiting will always do well

Lance Romance (Winnipeg, Canada)

Given ASU's success against the dual threat QB (they contained Thomas and James relatively well last year), will they shut down Franklin tomorrow?

Ted Miller

(3:12 PM)

I live the Sun Devils chances. They have the speed on all three levels to tax the Tigers offense, which I'm not sure can challenge the Sun Devils one question: Cornerback.

Nick (Oregon)

What's your take on Wilner's position that adding Oklahoma and Oklahoma State would be beneath the academic and cultural requirements of the conference (i.e., Stanford and Cal)?

Ted Miller

(3:13 PM)

That's what some academic sorts do say. But the real driver here is $.

Ted Miller

(3:14 PM)

And, by the way, Texas doesn't match up with Stanford and Cal either. No AQ programs do, other than perhaps Duke.

Noah (Hollywood)

Ted, Do you think that the kickoff hit that knocked out Kenjon Barner last year really put his development off track? I am having trouble believing he has recovered 100 percent from that. He isn't the same, and I was wondering if you noticed this also.

Ted Miller

(3:15 PM)

Barner looked pretty good in the Civil War last year. healthy, he's a good back.

Burke (Boise)

If you were to start up a team and got to pick any pac-12 coach to put at the helm, who you going with?

Ted Miller

(3:17 PM)

Don James or John McKay

Jake (Honolulu)

I trust you more than Canzano, was LMJ ever about his own selfish goals and individual awards (read: Heisman)? Wasn't he always a team player?

Ted Miller

(3:17 PM)

LaMichael is a complete team player.

Lance Romance (Winnipeg, Canada)

Missouri looked bad against Miami, Oh. Offense was uninspiring, defence was giving up plays despite only coughing up 6 points. I see a very biased 37-17 victory for ASU.

Ted Miller

(3:19 PM)

Don't put too much stock in openers against weak teams.... I've seen a team look terrible against an FCS team then turn around and open a can of whup-butt.

Mike (SLC)

Hasn't the 16-team conference been shown to be unviable (see for example the late 90's WAC)?

Ted Miller

(3:19 PM)

The WAC of the 1990s isn't the same as a conference with Texas, Oklahoma and USC.

David K. (Palo Alto, CA)

Ted, got a HUGE perspective question for ya. Where do you think Andrew Luck will rank in the storied history of Pac-10/12 QBs when everything is said and done?

Ted Miller

(3:20 PM)

He's not going to rank among the best in terms of numbers. Past Pac-12 QBs put up huge numbers. But his NFL career will distinguish him, much like it did John Elway.

Wolfpack (WWE)

Any chance of Nevada giving the ducks a game or will we get squashed in Autzen?

Ted Miller

(3:21 PM)

I think Nevada has a shot, particularly if the Ducks come out flat and can't regroup. And I wouldn't be surprised if the Ducks are flat after investing so much in the trip to Cowboys Stadium.

Matt Self (Gilbert, Ariz.)

Rumor has it Juron Criner is out with an appendix problem. Any update on his absence in Stillwater?

Ted Miller

(3:22 PM)

There has been no official word as of yet but there are multiple reports from credible places that Criner will not play. And that is a total drag because it would have been fun to see Foles-Criner vs. Weeden-Blackmon.

Lance Romance (Winnipeg, Canada)

ASU will upset Oregon in Autzen. You heard it here first.

Ted Miller

(3:23 PM)

Had to go to Winnipeg to hear that... but I've actually heard that before.

Ben Ingersoll (CA)

Any word on Cliff Harris?

Ted Miller

(3:23 PM)

Day to day? Nope, Chip is refusing to say where things stand.

Steve Sarkisian (Montlake)

Will my team respond positively to my harsh criticism? I was embarrassed by our effort to say the least. That wasn't Husky football.

Ted Miller

(3:24 PM)

Jordan Wynn (Utah)

I have a lot to prove this weekend... Do you think I can put a solid game together for this homecoming (of sorts) game? Last time I played in front of friends and family was the bowl game against Cal...

Ted Miller

(3:26 PM)

It's reasonable to believe you needed the opener to get your feet back under you and to test your shoulder. If you play like you did in the bowl against Cal, your team has a really good shot in the Coliseum.

Matt Self (Gilbert, Ariz.)

UCLA lost, but the Chow-less offense looked better against Houston. Are you still bullish on the Baby Bears?

Ted Miller

(3:28 PM)

Not as much because of the lackluster D, which I thought would be much better. I want to see DE Datone Jones make plays like he does in UCLA practices. But it's a long season. I'm sticking to the idea that if the Bruins are just adequate at QB, they will win enough to save Neuheisel.

Mark (SF)

Thoughts on what Maynard's debut means for Cal going forward? He looked a little rusty, but showed some real flashes of promise

Ted Miller

(3:29 PM)

I didn't get to see that game, so i can only base my impressions on what you read. My impression is positive, but the competition will ramp up. It will be interesting to see how he responds to a road environment at Colorado.

Wilbur (Tucson)

Outside of Larry Scott, who truly wants a Pac-16? People are talking like they HAVE to take teams if the Big 12 falls apart. Why not stay with a good thing?

Ted Miller

(3:31 PM)

we don't even know the Pac12 yet, so how will we know if it's better than a pac16... the issue is keeping up and making money. The marketplace might be forcing the Pac12's hands. A&#x26;M leaving the Big 12 for the SEC almost dictates other conferences responding.

Kyle Y. (Spokane, WA)

After seeing UW squeek out a win versus EWU, do the Huskies have a shot at Hawaii?

Ted Miller

(3:31 PM)

yes.

Michael (Tujunga, CA)

Robert Woods +/- 10 catches this weekend

Ted Miller

(3:32 PM)

11 receptions, 133 yards, 2 TDs.

Phillip (a stadium near you)

Ted,all has been quiet about the Friday night game between Missouri and Arizona State.Whats going to be the keys to the game?

Ted Miller

(3:33 PM)

If ASU wins the turnover battle and is even in penalties, the Sun Devils win. They have the horses to win if they don't blow it.

Bryan (Puyallup, WA)

Given how WSU opened so strong against ISU, what do you think the chances are that WSU will be 4-0 after Colorado? Even with Tuel out...

Ted Miller

(3:34 PM)

It's possible, but it would have been more possible with Tuel. ISU is really really bad. Don't put too much into that game. To me, the key test will be the visit to San Diego State. Aztecs have some good players. a 3-0 start would really boost confidence.

Josh (Orange, CA)

Wildcats are 2 touchdown underdogs tonight. With Criner out, is there any hope for an upset?

Ted Miller

(3:35 PM)

there's always hope... but don't go to vegas with that.

Ian (Orange County)

Thoughts on Maryland's uniform?

Ted Miller

(3:35 PM)

Fabulous!

Tyler (NYC)

Dan Buckner didn't show me much in the NAU game. Any chance he steps up tonight in place of Criner?

Ted Miller

(3:36 PM)

it would be a good time for that. It seems that he's struggled a bit mentally. I'd expect it to be more of a case of five guys catching 6 balls apiece than one catching 15.

Bryan (Oakland, CA)

Ted, where are you at this week? Does ESPN let you go to the Thurs and Fri games also?

Ted Miller

(3:36 PM)

I'm at ASU Friday and USC on Saturday.

Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (Exposition Park)

When USC fixes me up and restores me to my former glorious self, will USC finally cash in on stadium revenue like all the other cfb big boys that own their stadiums?

Ted Miller

(3:37 PM)

that's the plan... tough economy though. no sure things.

Art Espitia (Poulsbo, WA)

Besides Brock, who do you think will step up on the offense for ASU?

Ted Miller

(3:38 PM)

If Cameron Marshall is effective running theball,that will really open things up for Osweiler. And it's time for Gerell Robinson to introduce himself as an A-list WR.

Charles (California)

What are the keys to Arizona even having a chance to keep the game close tonight?

Ted Miller

(3:39 PM)

Win the turnover battle... stop the Cowboys run game then get pressure on Weeden. Get the crowd out of the game with a fast start. 'Cats will need some things to break their weay to steal one.

T.J. (Norman, OK)

Was Sacramento State "that good," or was Oregon State really "that bad" this past weekend?

Ted Miller

(3:39 PM)

the latter.

Dan (Berkeley)

Haven't heard much on the Will Lyles front lately, is that good news?

Ted Miller

(3:40 PM)

No... other than for us who are tired of reading about him. The last news wasn't good though: He met with NCAA a second time.

Monte Kiffin (Los Angeles)

What do I need to do to get my teams to play defense in the last four minutes of the half/game?

Ted Miller

(3:41 PM)

Defense closed the deal with an interception vs. Minnesota. But it's all about focus. The Trojans seem to lose theirs too easily.

Seth (Venice Beach)

Yo, Ted! you are the best blogger on ESPN! can you give me a quick analysis of Oregon's defense from last week's game and how is Oregon's defense compared to the rest of the Pac 12?

Ted Miller

(3:43 PM)

thanks... Oregon's D played well before wearing down late vs. LSU. Good speed and better size than last year. It figures to be one of the top three or four units in Pac-12. And lots of guys come back in 2012.

Donald (Anaheim)

How hard will it be for Oregon players to maintain focus all year now that their national championship hopes are almost certainly gone?

Ted Miller

(3:45 PM)

You'd hope that's not the situation. Oregon was a national title contender for just the second time in its history last year. You'd hope winning the Pac-12 and getting to the Rose Bowl is still a satisfying goal.

Rick (Tucson)

What did you think about Shaquille Richardson's performance vs NAU? And how will that transition to the OK St game? Do we need to put him on the bench?

Ted Miller

(3:46 PM)

not sure you have other options. he's a talented guy who was set to be the No. 3 CB. No reason to give up on him yet.

Pac-12 fans (everywhere)

Ted, with such a terrible opening wk for the conference... talk us off the ledge! What is the bright side in all of this?

Ted Miller

(3:46 PM)

11 more games?

Colt (SLC, UT)

What player gave the most surprising performance in week one?

Ted Miller

(3:47 PM)

Ryan Katz... I didn't think he'd be in danger of losing his job after one week.

Adam (Portland)

Assuming that DeAnthony gets his ball control under control, how much of a major player do you see him being in his college career? He seemed to be finding some good yardage almost every time he touched the ball last week.

Ted Miller

(3:48 PM)

Yes... we noticed the same thing. Both his fumbles came as he was making a big play. Put a magical rewind on those moments and see what happens on those possessions, game might have turned out differently. As it was, it's clear he's a major talent. But fumbling makes coaches very, very angry.

Kennan (Tucson)

With Juron Criner out tonight what are Arizona chances against OK. State?

Ted Miller

(3:49 PM)

17 percent.

David (Olympia)

Ducks 2001, 2007(before the injury) and last season would make three in the last decade for the Ducks

Ted Miller

(3:50 PM)

well, if we count 2007 then we have to count all teams that are in the mix at midseason....

Andrew (Tucson)

Not sure if you play NCAA Football 12 or not but what's with them picking Stanford vs Duke for their game of the week?

Ted Miller

(3:51 PM)

Andrew Luck playing in North Carolina, where he broke NFL hearts?

Pete Carroll (Seattle / Los Angeles)

Don James and John McKay were great... anyone else? nudge, nudge, wink

Ted Miller

(3:52 PM)

Love you Pete, but I'd still go with James and McKay, though you probably would have been more fun to play for.

John White IV (The Muss)

Am I going to be something special, or just very good against a weak opponent?

Ted Miller

(3:52 PM)

Ask me around 8 pm PDT on Saturday.

dawgfather (Sammamish, WA)

1991 washington team or 1991 miami team?

Ted Miller

(3:53 PM)

1986 westminster wildcats. one word: awesome.

Mike Stoops (Tucson)

Juron Criner is sick and my defensive players knees are all made up of paper. Do I need to hire a new trainer? Do I need a new practice field? HELP ME MILLER!!!!!!!!!!!

Ted Miller

(3:54 PM)

you need a new rabbit's foot.

Kirk (Yorba Linda)

Your main reasoning of picking Colorado over Cal is because of inconsistencies you've seen with Cal for last two seasons. Are there any real reason for worries for Cal fans?

Ted Miller

(3:55 PM)

Road games are always tricky... Colorado looked a lot better in the second half at Hawaii... not sure if Maynard is good enough to really attack the Buffs questionable secondary... I don't,however, like the matchup of the Buffs O-line vs. the Cal front 7. If I am wrong, that's where my wrongness will take root.

Alex (Basking Ridge)

How do you think Stanford fares against Oregon now that they their weaknesses have been exploited from their showing agaisnt LSU?

Ted Miller

(3:56 PM)

Not sure that game has any relevance to Nov. 12. But if both teams arrived undefeated, which would include Oregon beating LSU, I would be a Ducks lean. As it is now, I'm a stanford lean.

Matt (Colorado Springs)

Hey Ted,Minnesota seemed to solve USC's offense at halftime on Saturday. What needs to change for the Trojans to put together two good halves of football? And does Marc Tyler's return this weekend signal good things for the Trojans offense?

Ted Miller

(3:58 PM)

Tyler's return almost complicates things in a crowded backfield... not sure how well USC will run against the Utes. I suspect you'll see a lot of Barkley attacking an inexperienced secondary. With USC, it's always about maintaining focus. They seemed to think Minnesota was in the bag at the half.

Princess Leia (Alderaan)

Is Stanford the PAC-12's only hope for a national title contender?

Ted Miller

(3:59 PM)

The Cardinal would be my top choice, as of today. But lots of season left.

Kirk (Yorba Linda)

As of today, who's HC job is on the hot seat?OSU? UCLA?

Ted Miller

(3:59 PM)

Neuheisel. I don't think Riley's seat is or should be hot.

Ted Miller

(4:00 PM)

OK gang... got to head back to the blog... Hope you guys have a fruitful weekend. See you next week.